Air Astana and China Southern Airlines have signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at strengthening air connectivity between Kazakhstan and China, expanding travel opportunities, and enhancing convenience and choices for passengers.

The signing ceremony was attended by Talgat Lastaev, Vice Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Richard Ledger, Vice President for Partnerships and Alliances at Air Astana; Zeng Yongchao, Executive Vice President of China Southern Airlines; as well as representatives from both carriers and aviation industry organizations.

This marks the first strategic partnership between airlines of the two countries, representing a new phase in the development of their existing code-share cooperation and laying the foundation for deeper commercial ties.

Under the agreement, the airlines will coordinate flight schedules, expand code-share services, and launch joint marketing initiatives. By aligning their networks and commercial models, the partnership aims to streamline travel across both airlines, delivering more consistent terms of carriage, seamless connections, and broader access to destinations in Kazakhstan, China, and beyond.

"The number of flights between our countries has increased by 52% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching 117 weekly scheduled flights across 21 routes. More than one million passengers have been transported since the start of 2026. The Ministry plans to further expand the route network with China to up to 30 destinations," noted Talgat Lastaev.

"China is a strategically important market for Air Astana, while Kazakhstan is uniquely positioned as a transit hub connecting Europe and Asia. Our strategic partnership with China Southern Airlines is a key step in advancing this role and deepening commercial ties with one of China's leading carriers. By combining our complementary route networks and aligning key commercial offerings, we aim to offer passengers more travel options, smoother connections, and a more uniform service experience across both airlines," stated Richard Ledger.

"China and Kazakhstan are vital partners under the Belt and Road Initiative. This strategic collaboration is a significant milestone in enhancing air connectivity between our countries, reflecting our shared commitment to building a thriving regional market. For both airlines, this is a strategic choice that leverages our respective strengths and shared resources. For passengers, the most tangible result will be enhanced travel convenience: more flight options, simplified transfer procedures, and a smoother journey," said Zeng Yongchao.

Air Astana operates flights from Astana and Almaty to Urumqi, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, offering up to 36 weekly round-trip scheduled flights during peak season. China Southern Airlines operates flights from Urumqi, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Xi'an to Almaty and Astana, offering up to 29 weekly round-trip scheduled flights during peak season. Together, the airlines maintain an extensive air network between the two nations, building a solid foundation to further optimize route networks, improve travel convenience, and expand passenger choices.

The strategic partnership will support business, tourism, educational, and leisure travel between Kazakhstan and China, while strengthening transit opportunities for passengers flying via Kazakhstan and China to other destinations across both carriers' networks.

About China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines is a commercial airline headquartered in Guangzhou. As of mid-2026, its fleet comprises 973 passenger and cargo aircraft.

The company became the first air carrier to be awarded the 3-Star Diamond Flight Safety Award by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), as well as the highest seven-star safety rating from AirlineRatings.com.

China Southern Airlines has ranked first in the airline category of the China Brand Power Index for 16 consecutive years and has received the CAPSE Best Airline Award for nine consecutive years.